In response to the publication of the report from the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the tragic death of foster carer Dawn McKenzie, director of The Fostering Network Scotland Sara Lurie said: 
 
'This unimaginable tragedy must provide the sector with learning; we support Sheriff Bicket’s thorough report and recommendations, and will be sharing them with fostering services across the UK.
 
'Fostering is an immensely challenging career, and foster carers need to be properly skilled, trained and supported to carry out the invaluable work that they do. We believe that foster carers must only be approved to look after children for whom they have the skills needed to provide the very best care; whatever the approval range, robust matching is essential. In all circumstances foster carers must be given all the available information about every child they are to care for, and in addition to preparation and basic training, they must receive ongoing bespoke training and support that is tailored to the needs of each child.
 
'Foster carers, like Dawn McKenzie, do a truly amazing job looking after some of society’s most disadvantaged children. Only by recognising the vital role that foster carers carry out on behalf of the state can we ensure that they’re as prepared and supported as every other professional working with children.'

-ENDS-

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